NeuroLaunch: Sharpening the Mind through Digital Health

More than 5 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions. To combat this, there has been a recent surge in neuro-psychological testing, and consumer-focused neuro-gaming wearables, software and devices. NeuroLaunch hopes to tap into this excitement by launching the world’s first accelerator program focused solely on neuroscience. NeuroLaunch is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis until October 1st, to help grow the best 5 to 10 early-stage ideas into commercial potential.

“Our accelerator covers the entire spectrum of what a neuroscience start-up needs,” said Jordan Amadio, the co-founder of NeuroLaunch. In addition to providing initial seed funding and access to world-class research facilities, the program offers guidance from over 40 world-class mentors who are deeply embedded in neuroscience and entrepreneurial ventures. This includes a network ranging from scientific research professionals, engineers, advocates, business professionals, legal workers and people with government backgrounds.

The 3-month accelerator curriculum also encompasses everything needed to nurture a startup. Teams begin with the Product Development stage, where they focus on customer delivery and creating sound revenue models. Next, they advance to the Operations stage to sharpen their business acumen. In the third phase, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, teams dive deep to understand the landscape related to their individual accelerator. The accelerator program concludes with Business Development phase to finesse brand. The chosen startups will showcase and pitch their companies to strategic industry investors during Demo Day on February 3, 2015.

Amadio is also a neurosurgery resident physician at Emory University School of Medicine.

“The two things we are looking for in the applications are the strength of the team and the strength of the idea,” Amadio said. “We want to see thought through initial business development, and how the team, with our guidance, can bring it to life.”

Why Atlanta? Amadio, a former Bostonian, points out that Atlanta has an enticing start-up ecosytem for neuroscience. The city is home to Emory University and Georgia State University, two of the top ten neuroscience research universities in America, and Georgia Tech, which is a leading engineering school. Couple that with institutions like The Center for Disease Control (CDC), Shepherd Centers and leading hospitals, and affordable real estate and networking structures, and Atlanta proves that it’s a gripping hub for neuroscience entrepreneurs.

The NeuroLaunch team believes in this venture and the medical technology revolution possible in neuroscience. Amadio hinted that applying for the accelerator is free – and because applications are evaluated in rolling basis, the sooner the better! Apply now.

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